Retrace the steps of the original transatlantic explorers on an MSC Grand Voyage of discovery

MSC Cruises’ Grand Voyages from Europe to the Caribbean and South America are designed for those who believe that journeys are about exploration and adventure and who dream of discovering exotic destinations in the same way as the adventurers of times gone by.  

 

This winter, six MSC ships -  MSC Divina, MSC Musica, MSC Preziosa, MSC Magnifica, MSC Poesia and MSC Orchestra - will be following the same routes as the first transatlantic ocean liners, taking travellers to exotic shores and back to an era when the journey was as important as the destination and when each glimpse of unknown land was full of great expectation and promise.

 

Soak up beauty, myth and culture in divine new worlds

 

Leaving popular Mediterranean ports behind, MSC Divina and MSC Musica will set sail for the Caribbean, where travellers will embark on a joyous exploration of paradise islands, discovering the same breath-taking flora and fauna, vivid colours, powdery beaches and irresistible aromas as the very first explorers who touched these shores. 

 

On 2 November, MSC Divina will embark on a 19-day/18-night Grand Voyage from Venice to Miami, calling in Valletta, Malta, Malaga, Spain, Funchal, the Madeira Islands, Philipsburg, St Maarten, Charlotte Amalie, St Thomas and San Juan, Puerto Rico before arriving in Miami on 19 November for a full day and night stay in this cosmopolitan city, renowned for great shopping, a glitzy waterfront skyline, dramatic glass-and-steel architecture and Miami Beach’s pastel-coloured art deco extravaganza.

 

When she arrives in Miami, MSC Divina will become the first Fantasia class ship to cruise from the port and the first MSC ship to sail year-round from North America. Ready to start her first Caribbean season in style, MSC Divina will be boasting two new Eataly restaurants, Aqua Cycling by Hydrorider, and new entertainment options to wow American and international guests alike.

 

MSC Musica will set off from Venice on 11 November on a 20-day/19-night Grand Voyage to Santo Domingo, calling in Valletta, Malta, Marseille, France, Barcelona and Cadiz, Spain, Funchal, the Madeira Islands, Bridgetown, Barbados, Castries, Saint Lucia, Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe and Road Town, British Virgin Islands, before arriving in the capital of the Dominican Republic on 30 November.

 

From dazzling beaches to bustling metropolises with a distinctive South American beat

 

MSC Preziosa, MSC Magnifica, MSC Orchestra and MSC Poesia will all wave goodbye to Genoa and set off for South America’s dazzling shores, where travellers will be swept up by the continent’s unique rhythm and seduced by its stunning beaches, bustling metropolises, intriguing indigenous villages and the incredible Amazon rainforest.

 

On 10 November, MSC Preziosa will embark on a 17-day/16-night Grand Voyage from Genoa to Santos, calling in Barcelona, Spain, Lisbon, Portugal, Lanzarote and Tenerife, the Canary Islands, Salvador and Buzios, Brazil, before arriving in Santos on 26  November.

 

MSC Magnifica will embark on an 18-day/17-night Grand Voyage from Genoa to Santos on 23 November, calling in Barcelona, Spain, Lisbon and Funchal, Portugal, Recife, Maceio, Salvador, Buzios and Ilhabela, Brazil, before arriving in Santos on 10 December.

 

On 25 October, MSC Orchestra will embark on an 18-day/17-night Grand Voyage from Genoa to Santos, calling in Marseille, France, Barcelona, Spain, Lisbon, Portugal, Las Palmas, the Canary Islands, Recife, Maceio, Salvador and Ilha Grande, Brazil, before arriving in Santos on  11 November.

 

MSC Poesia will embark on a 20-day/19-night Grand Voyage from Genoa to Buenos Aires on 5 November, calling in Marseille, France, Barcelona, Spain, Lisbon, Portugal, Funchal, the Madeira Islands, Recife, Maceio, Salvador and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, before arriving in Buenos Aires on 24 November.

 

Entertainment, enrichment and delicious culinary journeys

 

These unique Grand Voyages give travellers the chance to indulge not only in discovery and exploration, but also in magical moments of leisure and learning during multiple days at sea.

 

A unique enrichment and entertainment programme offers arts and crafts sessions, bridge, burraco and chess lessons, professional dance courses, including salsa, merengue and rock’ n roll, as well as a fascinating lecture programme tailored to each itinerary, with lectures in multiple languages. 

 

Travellers will enjoy classical concerts, fly-on artists and live music from talented bands,  while a combined dining and entertainment programme will take guests on some delightful culinary journeys.  Cocktails, flair bartending demonstrations, aperitivo, cooking demonstrations, wine tasting and special menus inspired by the local traditions of various destinations will be enjoyed during special themed evenings, while countries that aren’t included in itineraries will be celebrated during days at sea, such as an Italian day, with the chance to take part in language lessons, learn the art of pizza making, enjoy an Italian dinner and show, and much more.

 

Special nights and gala evenings will also take place,  including the Great Dance of the Officers, where lucky ladies will have the chance to dance with the ship’s officers, while other activities have been designed to last for several days and create a shared journey for guests enjoying the cruise. MSC Factor, for instance, is based on reality TV talent contests and lasts throughout the entire voyage, with castings, selections and performances helping audiences decide exactly which guests have the wow factor.

For more information on MSC Grand Voyages of discovery, please contact a cruise travel agent.